In 2021, Honda Trading co-established JTLep Inc. (JTLep) to provide advanced evaluation technology services, including measurement, testing, and analysis. Focusing on supporting customers in their research and development efforts, JTLep offers technical services to evaluate the quality and reliability of products. Recently, the company has been contributing to manufacturing innovation by addressing the growing demand for the evaluation of automotive secondary batteries. We spoke with one of JTLep's founding members to learn more about the company's origins and the value it delivers to its customers.
Note: Information is accurate as of March 2025.
Meeting the Expanding Needs for Evaluation and Analysis in the Era of Automotive Electrification
- ーCould you share the background of the joint venture's establishment?
- Ito: I was previously involved in the Plastics and Resin business at Honda Trading, but I was tasked with establishing JTLep, a joint venture with JAPAN TESTING LABORATORIES Inc. (JTL), which possesses advanced evaluation technologies. I am now stationed at JTLep, serving as the head of sales.
At Honda Trading, I was responsible for the procurement and supply of plastics and resin materials. However, during this transformative period in the automotive industry, I recognized the need for a specialized unit to monitor technological trends in the CASE (Connected, Autonomous, Shared, Electric) domain and create related business opportunities. Inspired by my former department head's vision of leveraging technology to drive innovation, I began exploring ways to enhance the quality domain and provide value-added services beyond material supply.
As the automotive industry undergoes rapid advancements in electrification and lightweighting, our customers are accelerating the development of new materials and parts. These innovations must undergo rigorous quality evaluations before being introduced to the market. Recognizing the growing importance of evaluation and analysis in this process, we partnered with JTL, a company with exceptional expertise especially in battery evaluation, to establish a new joint venture.
Building New Frameworks Through Collaboration
- ーWhat synergies have emerged from the joint venture between JTL and Honda Trading?
- Ito: Our contract evaluation services are often utilized in the early stages of our customers' research and development processes. This allows us to identify customer's challenges related to new materials and parts and propose solutions that align with their needs.
By leveraging Honda Trading's extensive experience in handling a wide range of materials, we can offer optimal materials from the upstream stages of research and development, focusing on QCD (Quality, Cost, Delivery). This contributes to enhancing our customers' competitive edge in development, which we believe is a significant value proposition.
- ーWe've heard that JTLep's comprehensive evaluation system is a key strength. Could you elaborate?
- Ito: Indeed. Some companies specializing in material evaluation may excel in material testing but lack the capability to evaluate parts and components level. In contrast, JTLep prides itself on its ability to handle the entire evaluation process, including measurement, testing, and analysis.
Recently, we've also seen an increase in requests for prototyping evaluation samples. By creating prototypes based on customer specifications and conducting evaluation and analysis using our equipment, we can offer an even more seamless service, contributing to faster and more efficient development for our customers.
Earning Top-Level Recognition for Battery Evaluation
Battery evaluation for automotive applications is reportedly increasing. Could you describe the services you offer?
Ito: There is a wide range of demands, including structural analysis, electrical performance testing, and durability evaluation. For example, we conduct non-destructive testing using X-ray CT to analyze internal structures, cross-sectional observations with scanning electron microscopes (SEM), charge-discharge cycle tests, and vibration tests to assess battery performance. Additionally, we offer evaluations such as safety testing through external partners.
Our cross-sectional evaluation techniques for battery cells, in particular, have been recognized as top-level by automotive manufacturers, and we are receiving an increasing number of requests from them.
Aiming to Become an Indispensable Player in the Battery Industry
- ーWhat are your thoughts on the future direction of the business?
- Ito: There are many challenges to address, but if I were to highlight one, it would be tackling industry-wide issues in automotive secondary battery evaluation to contribute to the realization of an electrified society. This is our top priority.
Expanding our services to include prototyping in addition to measurement and analysis is also crucial. At the same time, we aim to enhance our offerings by collaborating with other companies to provide services not currently in our portfolio. For instance, in the automotive battery sector, we plan to expand our scope from cells to modules and packs, striving to become a company synonymous with "battery evaluation."
Our goal is to not only support the Honda Group but also become an essential presence in the battery industry, including energy storage systems. We are committed to being a partner that drives innovation for our customers while continuously improving our services.
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